3 Popular Yet Unhealthy Snacks and Their Healthy Alternatives
Snacking is part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, however, if not done properly, it can also be a big part of a very unhealthy diet. Generally, when snacking becomes unhealthy, it’s not the amount that we snack, but rather the food that we snack with. The wrong foods can pack on the calories and wreak havoc on your healthy diet plan. Luckily, there are healthy alternatives to even the worst snacking foods out there. Check out these 3 very popular snacking items, and then the healthy alternatives so that you can snack without guilt for a great body and good health.
Chips
Unfortunately, no matter how good this snack is, it will just never be good for you. Too many calories, too much sodium, and generally made from unnatural ingredients. Occasionally, you may be able to find a healthy chip, but even the healthy kind are generally not as good for you as you would like. In order to replace this snack, you are most likely looking for something crunchy and salty. Sounds impossible, right? It’s not! For starters, you can make your own super healthy chips. Take kale leaves, sprinkle them with olive oil and sea salt, and bake for about 10 minutes on 350 degrees. When they come out, they will be crispy, salty, and super healthy. Another great and easy replacement is popcorn. Don’t get the bagged buttery kind though. Stick to whole kernels that have to be popped in a skillet. That way you can control the butter, salt, and get all of the good with very little of the bad.
Candy
We’ve all been guilty of it at one point or another. We reach for the vending machine to get a Snickers bar, a Reese's cup, or something similar but just as sweet. When you do this, you are taking in upwards of 200 calories, high sugar and fat contents, and all for a snack! Instead, look for a sweet but healthy alternative. The best snack for those with a sweet tooth is fruit. Fruit tastes fresh and savory, but it also gives your tastebuds a quick sweet satisfaction. Strawberries, pineapple, apples, blueberries, kiwi...the options are endless! Find one you like or change it up to get the sweetness without the calories.
Ice Cream
This used to be my major weakness. If you are looking to ice cream as a snack, you are probably looking for something slightly sweet, soft, and definitely cold. For a healthy alternative, make the switch to frozen yogurt or sherbet. Both of these are sweet and have the basic texture of ice cream, but with far fewer calories. Keep your portions small and reasonable, as this is not necessarily the healthiest snack either. In the grand scheme of things, however, they are both a much better alternative to your regular snacking menu.
Snacking is definitely the part of the diet that can make you or break you. Don’t let it break you! Instead, use these healthy alternatives to satisfy your stomach, but keep your health under control.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Jet Blaque